Melanie Turgeon

Dr. Melanie Turgeon is a Professor of Music and Director of Choral Activities at The King’s University, as well as an Adjunct Professor at Cape Breton University. She holds a Doctor of Musical Arts (D.M.A.) in Choral Music from the University of Illinois and degrees from the University of Alberta. Her research focuses on Ukrainian sacred music, particularly its preservation and promotion within the Ukrainian Catholic Church. She founded Kappella Kyrie, a chamber choir specializing in Slavic sacred music, and has conducted numerous choirs internationally. Key roles include Music Director at St. Josaphat Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral and Chairperson of the Eparchial Hymnal project. She has published extensively, including the seminal book Composing the Sacred in Soviet and Post-Soviet Russia (2008) and the bilingual hymnal Sing to our God (2008).

Education: D.M.A., University of Illinois; M.Mus., University of Alberta; B.A. (Honours) in Music, University of Alberta.

Research interests span Ukrainian choral traditions, Soviet-era music suppression, and Eastern Christian liturgical practices. She actively engages in community initiatives like the Ukrainian Art Song Project and seeks to establish a Certificate in Eastern Christian Worship at The King’s University.

Her awards include the Alberta Council for the Ukrainian Arts Award (2005) and multiple scholarships for academic excellence. Teaching responsibilities include choral conducting courses and aural skills training at The King’s University.

Labs/Teams: Director of The King’s University Concert Choir and Chamber Choir; Artistic Director of Heruvymy Ukrainian Female Quartet; co-director of the Ukrainian Art Song Project Summer Institute.